China appears to have recently conducted the trial run of the high-speed rail, the CR450. Tipped to be the world’s fastest commercial train, the CR450 is expected to start operations in 2025.
The train, which has a trial speed of 280 mph (450km/h), was reportedly on a trial run from Tianjin to Beijing.
A series of videos showcasing the train surfaced on social media in November before being taken down.
Train resembles an arrow when viewed from the side
The train resembles an arrow when viewed from the side. Its sleek, bullet-shaped nose has slightly angular contours, while the cockpit has decorative breathing lights. Last month’s apparently leaked test video featured a train marked CR450AF-0001, while the latest images show an eight-car CR450 with its serial number covered by white tape, reported SCMP.
The CR450 bullet train, China’s most recently designed high-speed train model, will be able to operate at speeds of 248 miles (400 kilometers) per hour during commercial run. The new model is significantly faster than the CR400 Fuxing high-speed trains currently in service, which operate at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour.
CR450 is 12 percent lighter
Compared to the CR400, the CR450 is 12 percent lighter, consumes 20 percent less energy, and has a 20 percent improved braking performance, according to China Railway. The CR450 innovation project also involves technological innovation in infrastructure, including high-speed railways, bridges and tunnels.
China claims that it has built the world’s largest high-speed railway network to address the people’s growing demand for convenient and comfortable travel. The total operational length of its high-speed railway network has exceeded 27961 miles (45,000 kilometers), with Fuxing high-speed trains operating across 31 provincial-level regions nationwide, as per the data available till April 2024.
Chengdu-Chongqing Central Line could be possible route
Last month’s apparently leaked test video featured a train marked CR450AF-0001, while the latest images show an eight-car CR450 with its serial number covered by white tape. The body is unpainted but the Fuxing branding of China’s bullet trains is visible, highlighting that the new train builds upon the foundation of the CR400, which debuted in 2017, according to SCMP.
As per the details released in September, in a single day, China’s railway network transports over 10 million passengers, making it the busiest rail system globally. These bustling services demonstrate China’s vitality, with the railway network reaching 99 percent of cities across the country, each with a population of over 200,000, and the high-speed rail network covering 96 percent of cities, each with a population surpassing 500,000.
The recent videos of CR450 have fueled speculations about its possible route. Reports have suggested that the Chengdu-Chongqing Central Line could be its possible route as the Beijing-Shanghai line might require upgrades.
